How to Get Your Security Deposit Back: Tips for Moving

When it comes to moving, there’s one thing on everyone’s mind: getting the security deposit back. Unfortunately, many tenants don’t think about their deposit until it’s actually time to leave. Luckily, these tips for moving are designed to help you get your security deposit back without stress, rushing, or excess hassle. Read on to learn more.

Getting Your Full Deposit Back: 5 Tips for Moving

1. Start planning early

To make the move easier on yourself and to boost your chances of receiving your entire deposit, start planning for the move early. This starts with giving your landlord ample notice of your move-out date (At least 30 days in most places) and planning for your move as soon as you’ve notified the property owner.

If you’re living with roommates and you’re the only person leaving the household, you’ll need to make arrangements with your landlord. They’re under no obligation to refund your deposit until all of the house’s tenants leave, so it’s smart to keep the lines of communications open here.

2. Understand your state’s deposit laws

To protect residents, most states have strict laws in place that dictate a deadline for the landlord returning a deposit. In most states, it’s within 30 days of the move-out date, although it may be shorter in your state.

To be as proactive as possible about your move, understand your state’s laws and be prepared to confront your landlord with the facts if need be.

3. Get your cleaning plans in writing

Most landlords have a list of cleaning they’d like you to check off before you leave. This list commonly includes cleaning the oven, wiping the walls, cleaning the baseboards and windows, and vacuuming or washing all floors.

To make the refund of your security deposit as smooth as possible, get this checklist in writing before you move out and do your best to fulfill it completely. Keep in mind that many landlords will hire a professional cleaning crew after you’ve left (even if you do a good job) and that this may come out of your deposit.

4. Move out completely

To boost your chances of having your deposit returned, don’t leave anything behind in the home. This means clearing garages, outbuildings, and the house of any of your personal items. If a landlord has to remove leftover furniture or trash after you vacate the house, he or she may well take this out of your security deposit.

5. Keep communicating

It’s all too easy to lose your security deposit over miscommunication and unclear expectations. Because of this, it’s critical to ensure that you keep talking with your landlord throughout the move-out process. This can help both of you avoid problems and streamline the move-out as much as possible.

Tips for Moving Out, Without Stressing Out

Moving out doesn’t have to be stressful, and these tips for moving are designed to help you move quickly, efficiently, and completely, and get your security deposit back at the end. This helps ensure a good reference and makes the process easier for both you and your landlord!